Enjoying Korea in winter and summer

Winter offers activities you can only do in this season, such as skiing, sledding, ice fishing festivals and year-end light festivals. Hot soups, jjimjilbang and warm ondol floors feel even better in the cold. It is also a great time if you want to see the snowy street scenes from your favorite dramas.

Most Korean ski resorts are in Gangwon Province, and Pyeongchang is known as the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics. There are also resorts in Gyeonggi Province near Seoul, so many people go as a day trip. Check each resort's official information for the season dates and shuttle buses.

Yes. Ski resorts usually rent skis, snowboards and ski wear, so you can go without your own equipment. Lessons for beginners are available, and some resorts offer them in foreign languages. Check rental conditions and lesson languages on the resort's official information before you go.

There are plenty of places to escape the cold, such as jjimjilbang, museums and galleries, large shopping malls and indoor theme parks. Underground shopping arcades connected to subway stations let you move around without going outside. Alternate indoor and outdoor plans on cold days to avoid getting worn out.

Mountain areas of Gangwon Province tend to get heavy snow, making them great for snowy scenery. High peaks such as Hallasan are also famous for winter views, but winter hiking requires proper gear and experience. Heavy snow can close roads and disrupt transport, so check weather warnings and traffic updates before leaving.

After snow, shaded paths, stairs and slopes can freeze and become very slippery. Avoid walking with your hands in your pockets so you can catch yourself, and wear shoes with good grip. Walk slowly at places with stone paving and slopes, such as palace grounds and mountain trails.

In winter you will see warm street snacks such as fish-shaped bungeoppang, sweet hotteok pancakes, roasted sweet potatoes and fish cake broth. They often show up in winter date scenes in dramas. Stall availability depends on the area and weather, and if you have allergies, always ask about ingredients.

Summer is full of active fun, from beach swimming and splashing in mountain valleys to outdoor music festivals and evening walks along the Han River. Cool foods such as bingsu and naengmyeon are another highlight. It is hot and humid, with a rainy season and typhoons, so keep your plans flexible.

Most beaches open for a set period in summer, mainly from July to August, and some, such as Haeundae in Busan, open earlier. Lifeguards are on duty during the official season, so swim only in designated zones. Check the local government's official notice for exact dates.

Korea's rainy season, called jangma, usually runs from late June to late July, and heavy rain can come suddenly. Mix indoor and outdoor plans each day and head outside when the rain lets up. If a heavy rain warning is issued, stay away from valleys and riverbanks.

Valleys are refreshing, but water levels can rise suddenly after rain, which makes them dangerous. Swim only in permitted areas, and never go in after drinking alcohol. Even where it is sunny, rain upstream can raise the water quickly, so always check the weather forecast.

Typhoons mainly affect Korea from summer to early autumn and can cancel flights and ferries. If one is forecast, postpone island trips and coastal plans and stay indoors. Watch for emergency alert texts on your phone and announcements from the Korea Meteorological Administration, and follow airline and ferry notices.

Air-conditioned indoor spaces such as museums, galleries, large malls and underground arcades are good options, and local governments also run cooling shelters during heat waves. Schedule indoor activities for midday and go outdoors in the morning and evening. Drink water often and rest in the shade.

Many people stroll or picnic in Han River parks to enjoy the evening breeze. Night markets, outdoor performances and palace night openings are held in some periods too. It can stay hot and humid after sunset, so bring water, and insect repellent is a good idea.

Popular summer foods include bingsu shaved ice, cold naengmyeon noodles, kongguksu in chilled soy milk broth and samgyetang chicken soup for energy. Koreans traditionally eat samgyetang on the hottest days, called boknal. Food spoils quickly in the heat, so avoid dishes left out too long and check ingredients if you have allergies.

Yes. It is hot outside, but subways, cafés and malls tend to be heavily air-conditioned. Packing a light layer or scarf helps you avoid feeling unwell from the temperature swings. A layer is also useful on long bus or train rides.

Year-end brings award shows, special stages from broadcasters and light festivals, which makes winter attractive for Hallyu fans. Summer, meanwhile, has many outdoor music festivals and large concerts. Schedules change every year, so check official announcements for the events you want before choosing your travel dates.

During the summer holiday peak from late July to early August, beaches, resorts and accommodation are crowded. In winter, travel and lodging demand rises around the New Year and Seollal, and ski resorts get busy on weekends. Book trains and accommodation early, and use weekdays where you can.

The Korea Meteorological Administration's official forecasts and warnings are the most accurate, and weather and map apps show them too. When heat wave, cold wave, heavy rain or heavy snow warnings are issued, you may receive emergency alert texts on your phone. For help in other languages, call the 1330 hotline.

In winter watch out for colds and hypothermia, and in summer for heatstroke and food poisoning. If you feel dizzy or feverish, rest somewhere warm or cool, and visit a nearby clinic or hospital if symptoms are serious. Call 119 in an emergency, and use 1330 if you need interpretation.